6 Peruvian recipes you need to master

Tailor-made Travel

Jan 2024

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 14.01.2019

Peruvian cuisine is rated among the best in the world and is currently experiencing a period of flourishing self-confidence and popularity overseas. Here are six classic Peruvian recipes taken from the Rough Guide to Peru, all fairly simple to prepare and found throughout the country. All quantities given will feed four people, so invite a few friends round, put on some panpipe music and prepare to impress.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Peru, created by local experts

Peru: into the Incan Empire

8 days / from2429 USD

Peru: into the Incan Empire

Who were the Incas? What did they do? What happened to them? Discover the answers, and much more, with this unique trip into the heart of the former Inca Empire.

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Female Empowerment Tour

8 days / from2822 USD

Female Empowerment Tour

From meditations in Miraflores over visits to craftswomen in Chincheros to gratitude rituals in the Sacred Valley. This itinerary will allow you to reconnect with your feminine energy and learn more about women's lives in Peru.

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Culture, Nature and Adventure in Peru

19 days / from3510 USD

Culture, Nature and Adventure in Peru

Get to know Peru through its locals and breathtaking trails- full of history. Hop aboard a motorboat to get to know the local way of life of the Uros people, before you start the great Inca trail, where beautiful landscapes, archaeological sites and fresh air are waiting for you.

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The Inca Empire and the Nazca Culture

8 days / from1885 USD

The Inca Empire and the Nazca Culture

Peru has a rich history and culture, this itinerary will give you a taste of just how special it is. Take a flight over the mysterious Nasca lines, head to Cusco for some brilliant archaeological sites and discover the Inca cities. This trip will leave you wanting more!

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Peru - the modern, the iconic, the wild

12 days / from6970 USD

Peru - the modern, the iconic, the wild

Spend 12 days in magnificent Peru - famous Machu Picchu, legendary Titicaca Lake and the wild Amazon await. This tour is great for foodies with amazing Peruvian delights, for history and culture lovers in the Sacred Valleys as well as wildlife enthusiasts in the Amazon. Something for everyone!

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Best of Peru & Galapagos Islands

14 days / from6565 USD

Best of Peru & Galapagos Islands

Split your South America trip into two fascinating countries: Peru with Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, as well as ocean-facing capital Lima. Afterwards, proceed to the Galapagos Islands. You will stay on 3 different islands and explore many more.

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Best Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands Tour Package

11 days / from9192 USD

Best Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands Tour Package

Explore a trio of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in this Machu Picchu and Galapagos tour package! Your journey begins in Quito, home to the Middle of the World. Afterward, fly on over to the Galapagos Islands the best biodiversity hotspot and following with the sublime Machu Picchu in Peru.

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Peru Express

7 days / from1640 USD

Peru Express

Soak up some Peruvian culture on a whirlwind tour of Peru. See the capital Lima, pretty Cusco and the Sacred Valley before you acclimatise to the high altitude of Machu Picchu, the greatest mountain city on earth and the gateway to the Incan Empire.

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Culinary Peru

8 days / from2445 USD

Culinary Peru

Discover the taste of Peru on this unique culinary trip. Starting in Lima, and then travelling on to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu and later Cusco, this trip includes all the essential destinations, and adds a unique culinary dimension to each, giving a real flavour of the country.

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Peruvian Inca Domains

13 days / from2419 USD

Peruvian Inca Domains

Ideal for everyone wanting to explore the Inca history and combine it with today's culture and traditions. Fly over the mysterious Nasca lines, visit the penguins on Ballestas islands, sail the Titicaca Lake and discover the stunning Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu.

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Peru for Nature Lovers

11 days / from3050 USD

Peru for Nature Lovers

Peru is considered one of the most ecologically diverse countries on earth: 84 of the 103 ecosystems and almost 90% of the world’s recognised climates can be found within the country’s borders. Needless to say, Peru has a lot to offer nature lovers.

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Galapagos Cruise and Scuba Diving Adventure

10 days / from7018 USD

Galapagos Cruise and Scuba Diving Adventure

The Galapagos Islands rank as one of the world’s top dive sites, famous for its incredible underwater wonders, and huge quantities of marine life. This package offers a full-day SCUBA diving tour for guests that wish to experience the impressive diving in Galapagos, all in a safe and fun environment

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Essential Peru

14 days / from4697 USD

Essential Peru

Get to know the best of Peru with this 14-day trip. Explore the cultural and culinary parts of Lima, get to know more about the Andean textile industry, discover Machu Picchu and if that's not enough you will also travel along the most beautiful routes in the world aboard the Titicaca train.

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Witness the Sun Ceremony Inti Raymi in 2024

7 days / from1750 USD

Witness the Sun Ceremony Inti Raymi in 2024

Celebrate the spectacular Sun Ceremony in Peru in 2024. This trip starts on the 24th of June 2024 to be able to witness the ceremony. Extensions and pre-programs are readily available.

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The Andes to the Amazon: Peru Explored

14 days / from4396 USD

The Andes to the Amazon: Peru Explored

Peru has much to offer and excites the most intrepid of travellers, from vibrant cities brimming with history, art and culture to the lofty mountainous heights of Machu Picchu and the Andes. A foray into the steamy Amazonian jungle completes your Peruvian adventure.

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The Enigmatic Sites of Peru

8 days / from2250 USD

The Enigmatic Sites of Peru

Explore the stunning sights of Peru. From the enigmatic Nazca Lines to the historical monuments of Cusco, this trip has it all. Visit the impressive Machu Picchu, a world heritage site, and hike up the magnificent Rainbow Mountain for breathtaking views.

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The Best of the Mashpi Rainforest and Galapagos

10 days / from7795 USD

The Best of the Mashpi Rainforest and Galapagos

Begin this journey in one of the first cities to be given the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site – Quito, Ecuador! Afterward, just a few hours away, you’ll head down into the lush cloud forests that surround Quito to experience Mashpi Lodge. You’ll finish this journey with the the Galapagos Islands

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Machu Picchu, Titicaca & Uyuni

11 days / from2980 USD

Machu Picchu, Titicaca & Uyuni

The highlights of every Peru and Bolivia trip: the fascinating ruins of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, followed by a trip to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Afterwards, continue via La Paz to the Salar de Uyuni, the incredible salt flats.

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Exploring Southern Peru

15 days / from6380 USD

Exploring Southern Peru

Inca ruins and fascinating tribal customs make Peru a unique destination. Visit Machu Picchu, stay on the shores of Lake Titicaca and take in the beautiful scenery of the Peruvian Andes before you finish your journey on a cultural high note taking in Lima’s museums and colonial gems.

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A hidden gem in Peru

10 days / from2437 USD

A hidden gem in Peru

Discover the wonders of Peru, with this less crowded route to the North of the country where you will enjoy rarely visited destinations. Archaeological remains will tell you more about its amazing history, and you will remain impressed with its vast nature and beautiful landscapes.

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Coast, Mountain Ranges and the Amazon Rainforest

9 days / from1995 USD

Coast, Mountain Ranges and the Amazon Rainforest

Discover Peru, it's history, nature and culture. You will start in the captivating city of Lima, from where you will make your way to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu only to end in the Peruvian jungle....where you can find lakes, nature trails and stunning views.

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Wonders of Peru and Bolivia

10 days / from2287 USD

Wonders of Peru and Bolivia

Start your trip by exploring Lima before heading out to Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Spend a few days exploring these wonders before heading off to Lake Titicaca. Just a short hop across the border lies Bolivia with the de facto capital La Paz, ready to be explored.

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Hiking Adventures in the Sacred Valley

16 days / from4665 USD

Hiking Adventures in the Sacred Valley

A unique adventure including a challenging hike to the legendary Machu Picchu. Witness the mesmerizing Rainbow Mountain on a private tour, soar above the enigmatic Nazca Lines, and embrace the thrill of sandboarding amidst the dunes of Huacachina. Breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures await

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Active Machu Picchu

4 days / from950 USD

Active Machu Picchu

An unforgettable adventure from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Sleep in community houses and local accommodations to immerse yourself in the rich culture. Feel the thrill as you mountain bike through rugged terrains, soar through the air on exhilarating ziplines, and hike amidst breathtaking landscapes.

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The "new" Machu Picchu - Chachapoyas

5 days / from995 USD

The "new" Machu Picchu - Chachapoyas

An incredible journey to Chachapoyas, Peru's hidden gem. Explore the ruins of Kuelap, an ancient fortress shrouded in mystery. Discover the breathtaking Gocta Waterfalls, one of the tallest in the world. Immerse yourself in Chachapoyas' rich culture, scenic landscapes, and archaeological wonders.

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Ceviche

A cool, spicy dish, eaten on the Peruvian coast for the past thousand years.

  • 1kg soft white fish (lemon sole and halibut are good, or you can mix half fish, half shellfish)
  • 2 medium red onions, julienned and rinsed
  • 1 or 2 chillies, chopped (ají limo is traditional, but choose any chilli to taste)
  • 6 limes
  • 1 tbsp fresh coriander
  • salt to taste

Wash and cut the fish into 1½cm cubes. Place in a chilled steel bowl and salt generously. Add diced chilli, stir and add the onions. Gently squeeze the limes – extracting only the first half of the juice, avoiding the bitterness of the skin. Add three ice cubes and stir to bring back to temperature. Add coriander. Taste and season further if necessary. Serve immediately with boiled sweet potatoes and corn on the cob (1/3 per plate).

ceviche-food-peru-shutterstock_326333141

© Christian Vinces/Shutterstock

Conchitas a la parmesana

Quick and easy, this scallop starter is a faithful crowd pleaser; the very best conchitas come from Pisco and Paracas.

  • 16 fresh medium scallops, in a half shell
  • Finely grated Parmesan
  • Limes, Worcestershire Sauce, Tabasco sauce
  • Butter

Season each scallop with salt and pepper, add two drops of lemon juice, two drops of Worcestershire sauce, two drops Tabasco. Rub the top of the clam with butter then cover with a heaped teaspoon of Parmesan; place a small lump of butter on top and place under a hot grill. When the cheese starts to brown and release a little oil, you’re done (2–3 min).

Ready to try the real deal in Peru? See our guide to the best things to do in Peru and start planning your dream trip today.

Picarones

These sweet doughnuts are the only dessert you’ll miss from Peru.

For the picarones:

  • 300g yellow sweet potato
  • ½ kg pumpkin
  • 1 tbsp anise extract (optional)
  • 1 pkt instant yeast
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 kg white flour

For the syrup:

  • ½ kg chancaca sugar (unrefined cane sugar, substitute with 1 ¼ cups brown sugar)
  • 5 cloves
  • 1 tbsp orange juice
  • 1 stick of cinnamon
  • ½ tsp vanilla essence
  • 3 cups water

Boil the sweet potato and pumpkin in three cups of water with anise and mash (reserve cooking water); leave to cool. In the cooking water, add the yeast and sugar, leave to develop for 15 minutes. Stir in the mash and add the flour little by little until forming a sloppy dough. Salt to taste and knead/beat for 15 minutes and let rise for 3 hours. Take a palm-sized ball of dough, and in your (moistened) hand, flatten and make a hole in the middle. Place a few at a time into a deep pot with oil and fry until golden. Make the syrup by boiling all ingredients in three cups of water, allow to reduce to half, until forming a nice syrup. Drizzle generously over picarones to serve.

Picarones, sweet potato and pumpkin doughnuts, on a plate, glass of syrup in background

© Lisa Linder/Dorling Kindersley

Causa

About the easiest Peruvian dish to reproduce outside the country, though there are no real substitutes for the Peruvian papa amarilla (yellow potato).

  • 1kg yellow Peruvian potatoes
  • 2 tbsp yellow chilli paste
  • 200g tuna fish
  • 2 avocados, the riper the better
  • 4 tomatoes
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon
  • ½ lime

Boil the potatoes and mash to a firm, smooth consistency. Leave to chill and add yellow chilli paste and the juice of half a lime. Flake the tuna and add a little lemon juice (adding mayonnaise to make a creamier filling is a common option). Mash the avocados to a pulp, add the rest of the lemon juice, some salt and black pepper. Slice the tomatoes. Make a layer of potato, on top a layer of tomato followed by slices of avocado and the tuna. Top with another layer of potato. Cut into slices or circles. Serve chilled with salad, or on its own as a starter.

causa-peru-food-shutterstock_1144709276

© Larisa Blinova/Shutterstock

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Lomo Saltado

One of the best loved Limeño dishes shows off the Asian influence in modern Peruvian food.

  • 500g fillet steak, sliced into 3cm strips
  • 2 plum tomatoes in thick slices
  • 1 yellow chilli, sliced
  • 2 small red onions, thickly sliced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp beef stock
  • 2 cups yellow potato chips
  • 500g white rice

In a sizzling hot wok, heat two tbsp oil to smoking, add half the meat and stir fry, the oil should cause some flambéing. Remove meat and repeat with the other half. Set aside. Add more oil and rapidly stir fry the onions and a bit later, add the tomatoes, yellow chilli and liquids. Return meat to pan and more gently fry for one more minute, salt to taste. Garnish with a sprinkle of cilantro. Serve with white rice.

lomo-saltado-food-peru-shutterstock_165753230

© Ildi Papp/Shutterstock

Papas a la Huancaina

An excellent and ubiquitous snack – cold potatoes covered in a mildly picante cheese sauce.

  • 1 kg potatoes, boiled
  • 1 or 2 chillies, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
  • 200g soft goat’s cheese (feta or cottage cheese will work too)
  • 6 crackers
  • 1 hard-boiled egg
  • 1 small can of evaporated milk

Chop very finely or liquidize all the above ingredients except for the potatoes. The mixture should be fairly thin but not too runny. Pour sauce over the thickly sliced potatoes. Arrange on a dish and serve chilled, garnished with lettuce and black olives.

Explore more of Peru with the Rough Guide to Peru. Compare flights, book hostels and hotels for your trip, and don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before you go.

Top image © Larisa Blinova/Shutterstock

Rough Guides Editors

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 14.01.2019

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